"Their system made our five defenders sit deep and we were swimming in midfield -- it was five against seven.

"We still put too much [emphasis] on our talents. As long as we don't have a good tactical system, we will have difficulties against countries like Mexico. It's a pity that we have not yet found a solution.

"Of course we play with a system that is in principle very defensive, but it is filled with many attacking players who want the ball.

"Then you have a bit of a problem, like against Mexico. It was a match in which we had very little possession and everyone in a system that doesn't really fit.

"We now know that something must be changed against such teams. But, eventually, Martinez decides. I think the trainer has to find a solution so that we can avoid such situations as against Mexico in the future."

Martinez has no doubts about the quality of De Bruyne, and told ESPN FC that the 26-year-old could reach the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But De Bruyne played down any comparisons with the two stars who have dominated the Ballon d'Or award for the last nine years.

"I don't care. I really don't care," he told Sky Sports. "People compare too many players with each other, you have too many good players in the world.

"In the end, I will only win individual awards if I win something with City.

"I try to play the way I am playing at the moment, and obviously the way we [City] are playing is very positive.

"Everybody is in the same spirit. We want to play the football that we play."

Jonathan is ESPN FC's Manchester City correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @jonnysmiffy.